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My active dog has a soft, movable lump. Is it cancer or inflammation?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Belgian Malinois | Male | unneutered | 80 lbs

1 year old belgian malinois. .. very very active... Like superman with 4 legs. Anyway over right shoulder there is a very very soft lump. It can move all around and be squeeze and there is no pain. Took him to a vet he said seems like inflamation and gave him an injections for it. I asked the vet to take a sample and make sure it's nothing serious he said there was no need as of now and call back in a few weeks. Here's the thing. Are cancer lumps hard and fast growing

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 22nd, 2017

Cancer can manifest itself in many forms. It can be slow and non descript or it can be fast spreading and painful. Given Bear's young age, cancer would be low on the list of potential causes, however it can develop in a dog of any age. Repeat your request for a fine needle aspirate to collect a sample for pathology. If your veterinarian will not do it, seek out a second opinion. In the meantime, monitor for rapid change or growth.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Not all cancerous masses are hard or quickly growing. In a young dog, cancer is unlikely but far from impossible. Consider monitoring Bear's lump, as per your vet's instructions, to see if it changes after the (I assume?) anti-inflammatory injection. If the lump has not gotten significantly smaller in the next few days, consider taking him back to the vet for further testing. I hope that all goes well!

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